Posted: 12/17/2004 1:10:57 PM EDT
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Hi, I was wondering if any of you would know the current procedure for bringing guns with you through Canada. I did this trip once before and it was fairly easy at the time (15 years ago). I am assuming the procedure has changed quite a bit! |
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The last time I drove I was turned around at the border 3 (count 'em) times. Upon arrival I was asked politely "Do you have any firearms?" I answered "Yes one pistol and one rifle" I was told sorry no pistols allowed in Canada. I was sent a few hours back in a raging snowstorm to drop my revolver off at a local shop to be mailed. When I returned I was politely asked "Do you have any firearms?" (there had been a shift change). I said "yes one rifle" They said what kind of rifle?" I said "an M1 carbine" To which I was told sorry you can't take that kind of rifle in to Canada. That cost me another 3 hours each way! The last time thru they had issues with my proof of insurance coverage and delayed me for several hours at the border and subsequently sent back to town. 2 days on the road and I had made it about 300 miles! My advice to you is to get ahold of someone with authority in Canada and have them get you something in writting that says exactly what you can and can't take thru! There's nothing worse than getting turned around on the road. |
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Here's a quick reference in general. There is a limit on ammo, no handguns, automatic, or semi-automatic long guns can be brought though. For those that may be brought though, you'll need to fill out form 4457 Firearms Declaration (cost $50). The only category of gun a U.S. visitor may bring through Canada is a long gun, which is a regular hunting rifle or shotgun with a barrel at least 181/2 inches/47 cm, and an overall length of 26 inches/66 cm, and which does not fall into the category of a prohibited or restricted firearm. So if you can't bring it through, you'll have to ship it to yourself or an FFL and pick them up when you get here. |
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Short answer: Don't do it. When I brought a M91 Mosin Nagant across the border, they asked the caliber and things like that. They practically stripped my truck down to bare paint. At the end of this anal exam I had to ask WTF? They said they thought I had an AK-47, and it had to be in there somewhere. Those goons had my 5 foot long rifle and checked it clear. They could have asked what they were looking at. |